Materials
QProcess supplies parts in steel, stainless steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper alloys and engineering plastics. This page lists the common grades named on our process pages, with their European standard and the processes they are used in; other grades are available on request.
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Steels
| Group | Common grades | Standard | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon and quenched and tempered steel | C45, 42CrMo4, 34CrNiMo6 | EN 10083-2, EN 10083-3 | forging, CNC machining |
| Case-hardening steel | 16MnCr5, 20MnCr5 | EN 10084 | forging, CNC grinding |
| Structural steel | S235JR, S355J2 | EN 10025-2 | laser cutting, CNC milling |
| Free-cutting steel | 11SMnPb30 | EN 10087 | CNC turning |
| Stainless steel | 1.4301, 1.4305, 1.4404 | EN 10088-3 | forging, CNC machining |
| Tool steel | 1.2379, 1.2842, 1.2343 | EN ISO 4957 | EDM, CNC grinding |
| Wear-resistant steel | 400 HB and 500 HB grades | manufacturer specification | laser cutting, waterjet cutting |
Cast steels
| Group | Common grades | Standard | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon and low-alloy cast steel | G20Mn5, G28Mn6, G17CrMo5-5, GP240GH, G42CrMo4, ASTM A216 WCB | EN 10293, EN 10213 | sand casting, investment casting |
| Stainless cast steel | 1.4308, 1.4408, 1.4581 | EN 10283 | sand casting, investment casting |
| Precipitation-hardening stainless | 1.4542 (17-4PH) | ASTM A747 | investment casting |
Cast irons
| Group | Common grades | Standard | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grey iron | EN-GJL-200, EN-GJL-250, EN-GJL-300 | EN 1561 | sand casting, continuous casting |
| Ductile iron | EN-GJS-400-15, EN-GJS-500-7, EN-GJS-600-3, EN-GJS-700-2 | EN 1563 | sand casting, centrifugal casting, continuous casting |
| Abrasion-resistant white iron | Ni-Hard and high-chromium grades | EN 12513 | sand casting |
Aluminium alloys
| Group | Common grades | Standard | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casting alloys | EN AC-AlSi7Mg0.3, EN AC-AlSi10Mg, EN AC-AlSi12, EN AC-AlSi9Cu3(Fe), EN AC-AlSi12(Fe) | EN 1706 | die casting, permanent mould casting, sand casting, investment casting |
| Wrought alloys | EN AW-6082, EN AW-7075, EN AW-2007, EN AW-5754 | EN 573-3 | CNC machining, laser cutting |
Copper alloys
| Group | Common grades | Standard | Used in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tin bronze and gunmetal | CuSn10-C, CuSn12-C, CuSn12Ni2-C, CuSn7Zn4Pb7-C | EN 1982 | centrifugal casting, continuous casting, sand casting |
| Lead bronze | CuSn10Pb10-C | EN 1982 | continuous casting |
| Aluminium bronze | CuAl10Fe5Ni5-C | EN 1982 | centrifugal casting, permanent mould casting |
| Brass | CuZn39Pb1Al-C (cast), CuZn39Pb3 (bar) | EN 1982, EN 12164 | permanent mould casting, CNC turning |
Engineering plastics
| Material | Typical uses | Used in |
|---|---|---|
| PA6, PA66, PA6-GF30 | bushings, gears, rollers, moulded housings | engineering plastics |
| POM-C | precision parts, gears, slide parts | engineering plastics |
| PE-UHMW | wear strips, liners, chain guides | engineering plastics, waterjet cutting |
| PEEK | parts for high temperature or chemical exposure | engineering plastics |
Material certificates and checks
Metal parts are supplied with a material certificate to EN 10204 3.1 showing chemical analysis and mechanical properties. Castings are checked by spectrometer for each heat; forgings and bar material are checked against the mill certificate. Heat treatment condition and hardness are documented where specified, see secondary operations. More on the quality page.
Send your drawing with the material specification through the quote form.
Frequently asked questions
Can you supply grades that are not listed here?
Yes. The tables show common grades, not a limit. Send us your drawing with the material specification and we will define the right production route and confirm feasibility.
Do you accept ASTM or other national designations?
Yes. Many parts are specified to ASTM, SAE or older DIN designations. We work with the specification on your drawing and agree an equivalent European grade only if you approve it.
How do I choose between cast iron and steel?
Grey and ductile iron cast well, machine well and damp vibration, which suits housings and machine bases. Steel, forged or cast, has higher strength and toughness and is the better choice for highly loaded shafts, flanges and levers. We look at the load case and the quantity before proposing a material.
Send your drawing. You get a quotation in 3 to 5 working days.
Your drawings are handled confidentially; NDA on request.